CHOOSING AN END-POINT ASSESSMENT ORGANISATION (EPAO)
There’s a lot to think about when you’re choosing an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO).
EPAOs literally didn’t exist a few years ago (2017). They only came about after the introduction of End Point Assessments (EPA) to help regulate the whole process.
And what does regulation mean? RULES.
There are certain rules in place to make sure all assessments are unbiased and apprentices get a fair grade. Training providers and employers are allowed to register as EPAOs, but they’re NOT allowed to assess their own apprentices. In fact, EPAO organisations and their staff must not have any affiliation with the apprentice they’re assessing – they have to be completely independent.
That’s the main rule to take note of, but there are a few other things to consider when you’re choosing an EPAO, and here we will try to answer them for you:
1. ARE WE REGISTERED?
It’s not a free-for-all out there – all end-point assessment organisations must be registered on the RoEPAO – the Register of End-Point Assessment Organisations.
UCE was the 1st to be recognised and awarded EPA for the improvement standards, we can be found under 00148 ID number.
2. ARE WE RELEVANT?
EPAOs must be listed against the apprenticeship standard you need assessing as they have to have experience in the sector. It’s also worth checking out their assessors too. Assessors can’t just be adjudicators; they should be experts in their field with practical experience of the occupation.
UCE has expertise in many sectors, with a unique focus in the Aerospace, Maritime, and Rail Industries.
3. ARE WE READY?
Even though an EPAO is registered, they might not be ready to assess the specific standard you require. The only way to find out is to contact them via email or give them a call.
UCE can be contacted on 01332 987670 or via email: info@UCE.org.uk
4. ARE WE INDEPENDENT?
The EPAO must be independent. This means that neither the organisation nor the individual assessor can have any affiliation with the apprentice, employer or training provider. Basically, the person making the grading decision can’t have anything to gain from the outcome of the assessment.
UCE can suggest independent training provider through their consortium partnerships allowing for employers to make their own decision – removing any conflict of interest.
This may sound pretty scary, but it’s quite simple really…
UCE have a conflict of interest policy (Policies) to ensure the credibility of our end-point assessments, so make sure you ask us, if you need any further information regarding this.
5. ARE WE RIGHT FOR YOU?
At the end of the day, you will want to choose the best. As long as you are confident of the above questions (rules), then we are the EPAO of choice that can deliver fair, quality end-point assessments, helping you hit the target.